Cardiometabolic diseases are the number one cause of death in Australia and globally.1 An estimated 646,000 years of healthy life have been lost in 2018 due to all forms of cardiovascular disease,2 with these numbers continuing to increase at an alarming rate.3 

The regulatory network of cardiometabolic dysfunction has a distinct architecture, with multi-system drivers throughout specific organs and organ systems, cells, and the genome. Cross-talk between the metabolome and the microbiome is part of this network, communicating via secondary metabolites such as Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), secondary bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, and aromatic amino acids. 

Innovative cardiometabolic plasma markers can detect disruptions to the metabolome and microbiome years before clinical manifestation of disease. The confirmation of prodromal stages in dysfunction suggests an opportunity for early therapeutic intervention and even prevention. 

 This seminar will discuss: 

  • How specific herbs and nutrients are metabolised and their corresponding key target pathways. 
  • The role of secondary metabolites and the microbiome in cardiometabolic health. 
  • Identification of subtle nuances in pathology markers to determine cardiometabolic risk at various stages of dysfunction 
  • Clinical presentations and recognition of early warning signs of dysfunction.


References 

1. CSIRO Nutrition & Health. Cardiometabolic Health. n.d. Retrieved from: https://research.csiro.au/nutritionandhealth/research-groups/nutrition-and-health-substantiation/our-science/cardiometabolic-health/

2. Australian Institute of Health & Welfare. Heart, stroke and vascular disease-Australian facts. 2021. Retrieved from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/heart-stroke-vascular-diseases/hsvd-facts/contents/impacts/burden-of-cardiovascular-disease 

3. Roth GA et al. Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risk Factors, 1990-2019: Update From the GBD 2019 Study. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2020; 76(25): 2982-3021. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2020.1101

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Sessions


Session 1: Impact of Secondary Metabolites on Cardiometabolic Health

Emma Van Den Driest


The pathways and processes from digestion to excretion play an important role in cardiometabolic health, as they mediate external exposures and our inner physiology. Secondary metabolites from the microbiome and the keystone species that produce them can be altered by the accumulation of metabolic injuries, leading to devolution of the microbiome and increased cardiometabolic risk. 

Cardiometabolic disease is in many cases, a silent killer, undetected until it is too late. With many of the silent risk factors now being identified, a complex network of mechanisms has been elucidated. The major organs within the cardiometabolic system are addressed widely in the literature, however the nuances of the regulatory processes and signalling in relation to disease risk, are lesser known. 

In this presentation you will learn: 
  • The key pathways and signals across organ systems that are involved in cardiometabolic regulation
  • Cross-talk between the metabolome and microbiome and the role of secondary metabolites
  • Metabolism of specific herbs and nutrients and their corresponding targets


Session 2: Pathology and Clinical Presentations of CardioMetabolic Dysfunction

Dr. Elizabeth Steels


Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) shows there were over 600,000 admissions to hospitals and over 1.2 million cardiovascular events in Australia in 2018.1 These staggering numbers are partly because early warning signs are difficult to identify in vulnerable patients who may be at risk for adverse cardiovascular events.

Cardiometabolic dysfunction is a series of physiological events that occur over time, with cellular adaptations preceding altered organ function, ultimately resulting in an inability of the entire cardiovascular system to maintain homeostasis. As holistic practitioners, we can work with our ‘at risk’ clients who may not be aware of their vulnerabilities in this area. 

In this session, Dr Elizabeth Steels will discuss:

  • The latest understanding of cardiometabolic subtypes 
  • Identification of early warning signs during health assessments
  • Key pathology and biochemistry markers that are early warning signs for cardiometabolic dysfunction 



Reference 

1. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/heart-stroke-vascular-diseases/hsvd-facts/contents/about


Speakers


Dr. Elizabeth Steels

Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, PhD, BSc(Hon), GradDip(Nutr), GradCert(Ed)

Elizabeth is a clinical biochemist and nutritionist with over 30 years experience in clinical practice, research, clinical trials, formulation and regulatory affairs. She runs a consulting and research clinic in New Farm, Brisbane. She is also an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, and has a growing team of clinical naturopaths enrolled in MPHIL and PHD students, also becoming researchers to further support natural health research. The projects vary from metabolic disease and diabetes, pain and peripheral neuropathy, GIT health, candida overgrowth, to probiotics for bone health in menopause. She is well published and often speaks at academic and industry events.



Emma Van Den Driest 

BHSc(Nat), GradCert(Nutr)

Emma is a naturopath and nutritionist based in Melbourne who has been in clinical practice for 7 years with an interest in autoimmune, inflammatory and rheumatological conditions as well as non-communicable diseases. She is a part of the practitioner education team at Integria Healthcare and has a passion for education and communicating scientific literature to a wide audience. She has researched and written several seminar presentations and presented widely to naturopaths and the community on a range of topics. 

Emma has completed genetic wellness training, graduate certificate in human nutrition, and is currently completing her Masters in Lifestyle Medicine. 

Emma loves connecting with people through presenting and educating to work towards a common goal; better health for all.

Investment

Practitioners: $49.00       Students: $29.00

Duration: 3.5 Hours

Note: All registrations and payments are handled directly by Integria Healthcare in Australian Dollars (AUD).

CPE Points

This event is recognised for 3 contact learning hours. Check with your association for details.